Q. Precisely What Is a Membrane Switch?
A. A membrane switch activates with the touch of a finger. It is a normally open, single pole, single throw momentary type contact switch.
Q. How does the switch function?
A. You merely touch the desired keypad and the switch contacts make connection-thus allowing continuity and current flow.
Q. What is the life expectancy of the switch?
A. Sensigraphics switches exceed 5 million cycles and can go as high as 10 million cycles.
Q. Is the circuitry on the Flex-Tail insulated?
A. Yes. Sensigraphics has introduced a new dielectric insulating material that covers the flex-tail up to the point of termination.
Q. Is the RF shielding available?
A. Yes. We can provide a fully shielded switch when needed for protection from outside wavelengths.
Q. Is the switch sealed?
A. Yes. We manufacture completely sealed switches.
Q. What is the contact material?
A. Our switches are made with the silver loaded conductive ink, printed on a polyester carrier.
Q. Should the switch be vented?
A. Environmental conditions determine the need for venting. Unless the keyboard is subject to dramatic changes in atmospheric pressure, internal ventilation will suffice.
Q. What is the activation pressure?
A. Normally pressure is between 3 to 7 ounces depending upon the design.
Q. What about environmental conditions?
A. Environmental conditions play an important role in determining materials, adhesives, venting and other crucial design factors. A well-written specification should clearly point out all environmental conditions for the keyboard and switch.
Q. Does the user have to provide the artwork for the switch circuitry?
A. With Sensigraphics, the user does not have to provide the artwork. We have a complete Art Department including computer that assist us in creating an error free design and automatically figures the path for all switch leads.
Q. What are the differences between a tactile switch, a flat touch or a raised keypad type?
A. In a flat switch keyboard, the keys are indicated to the operator by location and color. Raised keypads provide embossing to further facilitate identification. With a tactile switch, a dome insert under the key gives the operator a tactile feedback feeling when the keypad is touched.
Q. How is connection made to a printed circuit board?
A. We can supply your switches with a male or female connector at the termination point of the flex-tail.
Q. What are start-up costs?
A. Tooling, preparation, artwork and negatives can run between $1,000.00 and $5,000.00, depending on the design and components required.
Q. Can the overlay be embossed?
A. Yes. We can selectively emboss the overlay keyboard.
Q. How many colors can be on the overlay?
A. The choice of colors is unlimited. Sensigraphics uses a computer (Colorimeter) to precisely match all colors.
Q. What kind of display windows are available?
A. We can supply and color or CRT window you require, including clear and diffused.
Q. What is the best keyboard overlay material?
A. The most commonly used material is polycarbonate .010" thick.
Q. Can the keyboard be purchased on a complete subpanel?
A. Yes. Sensigraphics has all the equipment and knowledge to provide you with a subpanel from aluminum, steel, brass and hard plastic along with studs, standoffs, cutouts or holes and formed edges up to 1/4" in thickness. In addition, we can Permacote (R) the surface to provide abrasive and chemical resistance.
Q. What are the advantages of these capabilities?
A. Sensigraphics does everything in-house providing one location and one supplier for your membrane switch needs. In most cases, a mass termination of the conductors will save you money, and eliminate the need for extra components.
